IAB reader spots the Hyundai AE in Death Valley - Spied

The Hyundai AE has been spied testing in Death Valley, California, by an Indian Autos Blog reader.

The Hyundai AE is being conceived as a Toyota Prius rival.

The upcoming South Korean hybrid car features a five-door notchback design almost like its chief competitor, the Toyota Prius, but the snout isn't as sharp as the latter. The earlier spyshots of the Hyundai AE prototype's interior, suggest a conventional dashboard layout with a flat-bottom steering wheel and large drive selector. Particularly, a dial was seen in the instrument cluster, that informs the driver if the car is being charged by its regenerative braking system or by the engine.

The front wheel driven Hyundai AE, according to reports, would be powered by a 118 bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, working in conjunction with an electric motor. The transmission system could be a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (automatic). The battery pack on this model is expected to be bigger than the 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer unit that is used on the Sonata Hybrid.